Bay lake tower vs animal kingdom lodge

[FSU Girl]

I currently have a 2 bedroom savannah view room booked for my baby’s first birthday trip booked. I love the hotel and that view but I’m worried that the distance to all the parks will be a pain with a stroller and two little kids. Was thinking of switching to Bay Lake Tower in a two bedroom lake view room. Love the location. But it mentions the hotel is going through refurbishment so I’m hesitant to make the switch, plus it’s more expensive. Anyone stay there recently is it a good idea to switch?

 

[CarolynFH]

The refurb is supposed to start this fall and continue well into 2025, possibly longer, I can’t remember. That will reduce availability especially at 7 months. That said, with two littles and a stroller, I’d still switch. We currently have a waitlist at BLT going for January, hoping to swap our BWV GV for a 2BR Theme Park view, for our toddler granddaughter’s first WDW visit.

 

[FSU Girl]

The refurb is supposed to start this fall and continue well into 2025, possibly longer, I can’t remember. That will reduce availability especially at 7 months. That said, with two littles and a stroller, I’d still switch. We currently have a waitlist at BLT going for January, hoping to swap our BWV GV for a 2BR Theme Park view, for our toddler granddaughter’s first WDW visit.

I’m doing cash since I’m not a DVC owner. I was looking at this November and the room was available to switch. Not a fan of the refurb but the location is really good for littles. And our stroller is a pain to fold up

 

[CarolynFH]

I’m doing cash since I’m not a DVC owner. I was looking at this November and the room was available to switch. Not a fan of the refurb but the location is really good for littles. And our stroller is a pain to fold up

I would switch! Disney is pretty good at minimizing the effects of a refurb on guests.

 

[msmayor]

We just did a five-night stay at a two-bedroom at BLT with my 2-year-old granddaughter and it was game-changer. The proximity to MK is amazing...very easy walk to get there, and a super-short monorail ride back. The monorail overall made moving around so easy.

We had a theme-park view and it was perfect...she loved watching the monorails go by, and we were able to enjoy the fireworks from our room, with her fully-bathed and ready for bed as soon as they ended.

 

[FSU Girl]

We just did a five-night stay at a two-bedroom at BLT with my 2-year-old granddaughter and it was game-changer. The proximity to MK is amazing...very easy walk to get there, and a super-short monorail ride back. The monorail overall made moving around so easy.

We had a theme-park view and it was perfect...she loved watching the monorails go by, and we were able to enjoy the fireworks from our room, with her fully-bathed and ready for bed as soon as they ended.

This is a lake view so we wouldn’t be able to see the fireworks unfortunately

 

[pks_domer]

This is a lake view so we wouldn’t be able to see the fireworks unfortunately

Maybe. We had a 2br lake view in Nov 2022 and you could see fireworks from the balcony. Just have to put in a room request and hope you get lucky.

 

[FSU Girl]

Maybe. We had a 2br lake view in Nov 2022 and you could see fireworks from the balcony. Just have to put in a room request and hope you get lucky.

That’s a good idea

 

[FSU Girl]

Thanks everyone I decided to make the switch!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Maybe. We had a 2br lake view in Nov 2022 and you could see fireworks from the balcony. Just have to put in a room request and hope you get lucky.

Yes, we have seen fireworks from a lake view, I hope you get lucky too!

 

[AstroBlasters]

Thanks everyone I decided to make the switch!

Smart call.

 

[CarolynFH]

That’s a good idea

Request “Even numbered room, north end.” Good luck!

 

[BaybeeYoda]

Thanks everyone I decided to make the switch!

Yay. It will be sooooo nice not having to break down the stroller for two parks (Epcot/MK)….

 

[wendlle]

I’ve stayed at AKL in a studio villa with two small kids and a double stroller one was an infant at the time

It was fine
We had no issues on the bus it’s really not that far

 

[cleophus12]

We stayed at AKL in November with a 4 month old. The peace and quiet was great. We had a car and used it more often than we normally would because of the transportation hassle. It was easier just to put her in the car and get to and from the parks. Other than that, we loved being at AKL with her. She loved the animals.

 

[FSU Girl]

I talked my husband into adding a few nights at the riviera now too. First time staying there I’m excited

 

[msmayor]

I talked my husband into adding a few nights at the riviera now too. First time staying there I’m excited

My daughter and I stayed there last September for the first time...it is a WONDERFUL place!!

 

[FSU Girl]

My daughter and I stayed there last September for the first time...it is a WONDERFUL place!!

I’m excited I’ve wanted to stay here since it opened. My husband wasn’t up for it when I suggested it being the main resort but adding on he’s ok with it. I think I’ll be using this resort for more relaxation before we start doing the parks go to the pool I’ve heard they have a gelato cart in there

 

[Ronaldo17]

Thanks everyone I decided to make the switch!

 

[FSU Girl]

Ok so I changed some stuff up. We are now doing a split stay at riviera in a 2 bedroom and animal kingdom lodge in a 1 bedroom. Going to try and make the smaller space work to save some money and both rooms had discounts. I am not good at traveling on a budget lol